Lee Jae-myung met film figures in France during the Lumiere Summit. He called for support for films that do not have strong commercial backing. He said Korea’s film scene must keep growing with “small trees.”
During his state visit to France, Lee Jae-myung met Korean film figures near Nice and spoke about the future of Korean cinema. He praised the industry’s growth and linked it to a democratic and open political climate. He also said the sector needs protection for films beyond the big-budget hits.
Lee links film growth to democracy and open politics
Lee met local film professionals on September 7 during France’s state visit schedule, using the occasion of the Lumiere Summit near Nice. He said Korea’s film industry has grown and described democracy and a free political environment as part of the background for cultural and artistic development. He then stressed that the industry needs an ecosystem where “small trees” can keep growing, not one led only by major productions.
Lee Chang-dong raises the investment gap
The meeting brought together director Lee Chang-dong, director Jung Juri, actors Sul Kyung-gu, Jeon Do-yeon, and Kim Do-yeon, along with Netflix Asia-Pacific content chief Kim Min-young. Lee Chang-dong said a structural crisis had begun and added that even one of his own films had not received domestic investment. He suggested expanding tax benefits for private and individual investment in films, and Lee replied that he should start a policy review immediately after returning.
The exchange also positioned K-content within diplomacy
The film discussion came after the opening of the international film and video summit and was part of Lee’s broader state visit agenda. After the meeting, he took a selfie with the participants and later attended the official luncheon for the Lumiere Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife. The sequence showed K-content being treated not only as an industry issue, but also as a visible part of cultural diplomacy.
